Wenger prayed for Fabregas who “passed a barrier”

By Aries

Arsene has been commentating for TV during the tournament but he was in the stands watching the Quarter Final between Spain and Italy.

He admitted later that, when Cesc Fabregas stepped up to take the last and decisive penalty for his country, he prayed for the young maestro who sent Buffon (Ed correction) the wrong way to earn Spain a place in the Semi Finals.

"It was a great responsibility, especially as he is not a specialist in this area. For me it was a moment of happiness. It was important for him. He is going to gain confidence and Spain and Arsenal will take advantage," he said.

Wenger also pointed out that if Fabregas had failed with his kick then he would have been persecuted for it. However he has now overcome a kind of psychological barrier which will stand him in good stead for the future.


“Fábregas has passed a barrier, because whoever fails at that time is long persecuted for their failure." "Overall I think his entry into the game was very beneficial for the team," he said.

Wenger also said that the Russian central defence was the main weakness of the team and that Spain along with Germany were his favourites to play in the Final.

Although not wishing to name which team he thought will win the competition he did acknowledge "similarities" in the style of play between Spain and Arsenal.